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Research Article Open access CC BY 4.0

Assessment of the Knowledge and Self-medication Practices towards Antibiotics among Future Healthcare Professionals in Ajman, United Arab Emirates

Mariam Aboulilah, Sara Ahmed, Razan Jarjouma, Razan Sabri, Subish Palaian

Journal of Pharmaceutical Research International · pp. 24–34 · Published 9 Jun 2020

10.9734/jpri/2020/v32i930479

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of the study is to assess the knowledge and self-medication behavior among health professions students regarding antibiotic usage. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed using a self-administrated questionnaire. A sample of 424 questionnaires was distributed randomly among health science students of a medical university in Ajman, UAE. The questionnaire is categorized into three sections which are Socio-demographic details of the participant, knowledge and self-medication practice of antibiotic. The data was entered in MS Excel spread sheet and analyzed as per the study objectives. Key Findings: Upon assessing the knowledge of respondents, authors found 85.8% of the students were familiar with the term ‘antibiotic resistance’. Half of the students agreed that antibiotics treat common cold quickly. Regarding the self-medication practices, 55.6% (n= 236) of students reported that they always take antibiotic without prescription. Cold and flu was the common reason for using antibiotics. Augmentin (amoxicillin and clavulanic acid) was the common medication used among the students. Nearly one third of the respondents (32.78%; n=139) saved the antibiotics in case of reinfection. Conclusions: In conclusion, antibiotic usage was common among study respondents. Preventive strategies, antibiotic stewardship programs, training, education programs and more restriction towards antibiotic dispensing should be implemented to avoid the misuse and antibiotic resistance.

Anti-bacterial agents antimicrobial resistance self-medication health professions students United Arab Emirates

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Cited by 4

Self-Care Behaviors and Safety Concerns toward Self-Medication among the General Public in Ajman, United Arab Emirates: An Exploratory Survey

Manal Buabeid, Subish Palaian, Akram Ashames · Journal of Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences University · 2022

Self-medication practices in the UAE: prevalence, determinants, public awareness, and the impact of an educational intervention on safe medication use

Doaa Kamal AlKhalidi, Maram O. Abbas, Afnan Shebl Hamad · Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice · 2025

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